A project of the Custody of the

Studium Biblicum Franciscanum: Library The SBF offers courses leading to both the licentiate Restoration and enlargement of the library to improve (S.S.L.) and the doctoral (S.S.D.) degrees in Biblical teaching activities and biblical and archeological research Studies and Archaeology and to diplomas in Oriental Biblical Studies and Archaeology and in Biblical Formation. in . The SBF also organizes conventions and offers a program The context of continuing education for those who serve as guides to . The of the have lived in the southeast region of the Mediterranean since the Order Attached to the SBF is a museum housing the more significant artifacts from the excavations sponsored by the was founded in 1209 by Saint Francis. They have had the task of protecting the Holy Sites in the Holy Land in the SBF. Founded in 1902, the museum is designed to serve name of Christianity since the 13th century, a task given to not only students but also pilgrims and visitors to the Holy it by the Church. Land. Individual rooms in the museum are devoted to some of particularly important sites such as , Jerusalem, a holy site for Christianity, Judaism and Islam, , Mt. Nebo, the Herodion, and the has become a stage for growing tensions . The with of the Judean desert. its ancient walls is situated in the Eastern part and is classified as a UNESCO world heritage site. The Custody of the Holy Land and the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum The library (SBF) are located within the Old city, which represents the The SBF owns a library, which is open to public and center of their activities. specialized in holdings in archaeology, the ancient Near ATS Pro Terra Sancta is the Custody's charitable NGO East, biblical studies, patristics, early Judaism, and (Non-governmental organization) in the Holy Land which itineraries of the Holy Land. Its collection numbers about promotes the projects of the Franciscans in order to fulfill 50,000 volumes including 420 journals. their duties of maintaining the Holy Sites of Christianity, supporting the Christian presence in the Middle East and The objectives promoting peace and dialogue. The main objective of this project is the Restoration and enlargement of the SBF library In particular it is necessary to : a. Enlarge the library’s spaces by adapting new rooms; b. Restore and equip the existing space in order to improve the exhibition and conservation of books; c. Provide the library with a new electrical, heating and air conditioning system which will improve the use of the library by visitors. Security aspects will also be improved together with the installation of a fire alarm system.

To find out more: www.proterrasancta.org Email: [email protected]

Support the Holy Places. Maintain the Christian Community in the Holy Land. ATS – Holy Land Association The Studium Biblicum Franciscanum Bank transfer – Ethic Bank IBAN: IT67 W050 1812 1010 0000 0122 691 The Studium Biblicum Franciscanum of Jerusalem (SBF) is BIC: CCRTIT2T84A the Faculty of Biblical Sciences and Archaeology of the Donate online: www.proterrasancta.org Pontificia Universitas Antonianum in . In 1901, the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land began planning a According to our estimates the project will cost in center for biblical studies in Jerusalem and these plans led total 195,000 Euros. to the establishment of the SBF in 1924. Located inside the Flagellation in the , the SBF offers degree and non-degree programs of studies in biblical ATS Pro Terra Sancta is the non-governmental interpretation and in archaeology. charitable organization of the Franciscans in the Holy Land. The mission of the NGO is to serve the Custody of The SBF conducts biblical research under a linguistic, the Holy Land in its proper task of: maintaining and historical, exegetical and environmental point of view. It promoting the Holy Places, keeping up the Christian focuses furthermore on the biblical archeology and in Community in the Middle East, advancing peace and particular on the excavation of sites associated with sites dialogue. associated with the New Testament and early Christianity in the Middle East. Responsible: Fr. Claudio Bottini, ofm

www.proterrasancta.org Help the Project Donate on line Contact Jerusalem, 91142 – Gate, P.O.B 14308 IBAN: IT67 W050 1812 1010 0000 0122 691 tel +972 2 627 11 65 – fax + 972 2 628 64 17 Ethic Bank – BIC (Swift code): CCRTIT2T84A http://www.proterrasancta.org/en/help Email: [email protected]